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The new owner of the former Marengo Academy building in Linden spoke to the city council last week about potentially re-opening the school.

Fred Hutchinson Hughes, a resident of Mississippi, told the council during its meeting on Tuesday, June 16, that he plans to reopen Marengo Academy as a first through twelfth-grade school. Physical and online classes will be available to students. He added that he plans to open a medical supply business in the building until he can get the school up and running.

Tia Hatcher spoke at the meeting about bringing a new restaurant in Linden and getting the council’s approval. The council agreed to give her an answer in two weeks once they have reviewed her paperwork.

Mayor Charles Moore spoke with Stan Nelson about the roadwork grant they are pursuing and was told that if the council put up a sum of money, they would have a better chance of getting funded. He wanted to put up $160,000 from the gas tax fund. He agreed with Nelson to use the money for getting the grant.

The Linden curfew expired Sunday, June 14, at 9 p.m.

The Linden City Council meets every first and third Tuesday at city hall at 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.